November 2007 New Toys — All

Norscot Scale Models - Cat® 226 SkidSteer Loader with Work Tools by NORSCOT COLLECTIBLES

With the large "CAT" logo visible on the back of this 1:32 SkidSteer Loader, it's not hard for kids to imagine that they've got the real thing right in the palm of their hand. It comes with an interchangeable general purpose bucket, grapple and pallet forks. The rubber treaded wheels add to the realistic features of this well-made construction model. It measures 3" high and 4.25" long and weighs 11 oz.
— "My best-selling [collectible] is a little die-cast model, SkidSteer — like a Bobcat [loader]. Norscot is the manufacturer," said Russ Mailloux of Little Digger Toys in Methuen, Mass.
— Mailloux told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that he probably sells about 12 Norscot SkidSteer Loaders a month.
— Two of 32 retailers who spoke to TDmonthly said that construction die-cast models are the best-selling collectible items in their stores. 8/20/2007 (Price: $20.00)

Thomas & Friends: Sights & Sounds Lighthouse Bridge by LEARNING CURVE

The Sights and Sounds Lighthouse Bridge is a must-have for any Thomas enthusiast. Kids can raise the drawbridge so boats can pass through below. It's also action-packed, featuring a working drawbridge, rotating lights, realistic wharf sounds and Bulstrode the Barge, a classic character on Sodor, as seen in the "Special Attraction" story. The Lighthouse Bridge comes with a 2" adapter track piece and requires two AA batteries.
— When asked about best-selling collectibles in summer 2007, Scott Loveless, owner of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash., replied, "Thomas Wooden Railway ... the railway cars and other various items in the line."
— Loveless told TDmonthly he sells about 30 Thomas items in any given month.
— "Made from real wood, the Lighthouse Bridge features a working drawbridge as well as realistic harbor lights and sounds. It also includes a track adaptor and the highly sought-after Bulstrode the Barge," said Laura Mares of Learning Curve. 8/20/2007 (Price: $42.95)

Dump Truck by SIKU

There's no stopping this big yellow dump truck from getting the job done. The front cab tilts forward just like the real thing, and the rear open-box bed can be hydraulically raised. Also, the rear door swings open to allow the cargo to be delivered as ordered. This dump truck is stylish, rugged and functional.
— Siku construction vehicles were cited as best-selling collectible items in the store of Isis Latham, owner of Sugar Snaps Kids in Nashua, N.H.
— Latham told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that the store sells about 40 units from the Siku line per month.
— Siku has been mentioned with increasing frequency by retailers talking to TDmonthly over the last year. 8/20/2007 (Price: $39.99)

Castle Super Set by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The Castle Super Set is a fort with a dungeon and shooting cannon. The set also features four knight figurines, a scaling ladder, a castle flag and decorations. The array of weapons includes battle axes, bows with arrows and swords, accompanied by a selection of three shields with stylistic emblems. It's a full arsenal defending a mighty fort.
— "Playmobil: the knights and pirates — I sell lots of those. Kids actually collect the Playmobil and try to get every one in a category, and then a new category will come along," said Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., in summer 2007.
— "Altogether, I probably sell 50 units a month of Playmobil,” Reilly added.
— “The Castle Superset is a Knight's fortress in a sleek carrying case. Equipped with four knights, a dungeon and a large shooting cannon, kids can pretend to be the guards of the fort,” Michelle Winfrey of Playmobil told TDmonthly. 8/20/2007 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Male Dalmatian by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Made in Germany, this 1:12-scale dog is meticulously hand painted. All Schleich dog figurines are developed through a very thorough process, and the resulting figurines are realistic and detailed.
“The Schleich little animals — little kids collect all of them,” shared Dalene Lockhart, owner of Toy Town in Casper, Wyo. I would say we sell at least 100 a month.
James Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., estimates he sells between 60 and 80 Schleich figurines per month.
— "Any child would love this durable Dalmatian toy figurine," said Katherine MacLean, sales and marketing coordinator for Schleich, after explaining to TDmonthly the extensive process the company’s dog figurines go through before being released to the public. 8/20/2007 (Price: $3.25) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Silky Sullivan by HAGEN-RENAKER INC.

Part of Hagen-Renaker's new miniature lineup for 2007, 2.75"-high Silky Sullivan is a classic figurine designed by renowned sculptress Maureen Love. First issued from 1962 to 1971, Silky Sullivan has been reissued for 2007 in memory of Love, who recently passed away.
— Hagen-Renaker figurines were cited among the top-selling collectible items in the store of Lisa Bennett, owner of Peacock Feather in Needham, Mass.
— Bennett told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that she sells about 60 to 70 units a month of the line’s collectible items.
— Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that Hagen-Renaker glass animals were among her best selling collectible items. ( Watch Video) 8/20/2007 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shining Stars - Snowy Owl by RUSS BERRIE

The White Snowy Owl is a cute and precious addition to Russ Berrie's Shining Stars lineup of collectible plush dolls. When kids purchase a Shining Stars friend, they can log onto the Shining Stars website and use the secret code inside the plush’s hangtag to register and name a star with the International Star Registry. Children can print a star certificate that gives the exact location of the star. The site also offers fun games and activities.
― When the Webkinz crunch hit and retailers were left Cheeky-Dog-less for Easter, savvy store-owners picked up the slack by turning their little Webkinz fanatics into Shining Stars lovers. Steady sales since have earned Shining Stars a TDmonthly Top Seller 2007 award.
— Three Sisters sold 400 Shining Stars dolls between April and July of 2007. The toys also did well during Easter 2007 for The Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky. Other retailers have reported more lukewarm sales.
— "Unlike some other Web-play plush, only Shining Stars comes with a secret code that opens up a world of Web adventure, allows collectors to get their very own star in the constellation of their choice, and helps the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation through the donation of 'glow points,'" said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. ( Watch Video) 8/20/2007 (Price: $18.95)

Beanie Babies - NASCAR BEARS (Complete Set of 22) by TY INC.

Ready, set, go! As part of the Beanie Babies NASCAR collection, racing heroes such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart each have an 8” bear with their sponsor logo embroidered on the front and their name, number and autograph embroidered on the back. The bears make the perfect gift for any racing fan. Kids and collectors can get them all. Each NASCAR bear comes with mint tags.
— "We picked up some more of the Ty Beanie Babies. There are 22 new NASCAR versions out there now," said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., when asked about collectibles in his store.
— Two of 32 retailers said that Beanie Babies are among the best-selling collectibles in their stores. In summer 2007 they said they sold between 50 and 150 Beanie babies per month, depending on how many new versions Ty released.
— "What makes our NASCAR Beanie Babies unique is the power of the brands behind them. Ty Beanie Babies bring unsurpassed quality and affordability in an adorable package, while NASCAR is considered a top brand in professional sports today," said Dana Scott-Turkovich, marketing manager for Ty Inc. 8/20/2007 (Price: $159.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ty® Beanie Babies® NASCAR® 8" Kyle Busch #5 Bear by TY INC.

Kyle Busch, #05, was the youngest-ever pole winner in NASCAR's premier series, winning at 19 years old. After graduating with honors from Durango High School in Las Vegas in 2002, Busch pursued his passion for racing. Now, this collectible Beanie Baby lets collectors share in his passion for speed. This charming blue bear, like every other NASCAR Beanie Baby, has a sponsor's logo embroidered on the front. Kyle Busch’s name and number, as well as his signature, are embroidered on the back. An official NASCAR ribbon is tied around the bear’s neck. 8/20/2007 (Price: $13.33) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney Pixar Cars Cruisin' Ramone by MATTEL INC.

This 1:55-scale die-cast car is part of the Disney Pixar Cars Supercharged line. Launch date: June 2007. 8/20/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zibbies – Lily Ladybug by PLAY VISIONS INC.

This friendly-looking ladybug sprung from the imagination of author Stephen Cosgrove. Lily has a huge, welcoming smile and very stretchy, cool hair that can be strung out, tied up or twisted around. With the face of a cartoon character, Lily is sure to inspire a whole collection of Zibbies. Those who adopt Lily can look at the Zibbies website to learn more about her story and her extended Zibbies family. 8/20/2007 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knight Baron by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Ready to charge into battle at any second, the sturdy plastic Knight Baron from Playmobil comes with charming details and a cartoonish, endearing face. The knight’s generous red beard is covered by an intricate helmet and his armor is completely removable. Knight Baron comes with a sword, shield and trusty dog companion. He is fully compatible with all the Playmobil knight accessories. Shirley Reilly, owner of Let's Play in Hillsboro, Ore., told TDmonthly, “I sell lots of those. Altogether, I probably sell 50 units a month of Playmobil. Kids actually do collect the Playmobil and try to get every one in a category, and then a new category will come along.” 8/20/2007 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirates - Boxed Set by SCHYLLING

Get set to sail on the high seas with this boxed set of pirate fun! This complete set of fun comes with three pirate figurines, a boat and two chests of booty. Sturdy plastic figurines are brightly painted so that young collectors can act out their favorite pirate scenes. Sturdy construction means hours of fun, and these figures can be used with other Schylling pirates and accessories. Young collectors can set up the pirates in dioramas or still poses, or use them as play figures. Schylling offers “lots of nice incentives for retailers, such as with shipping,” Donna Sedgwick of Toy Mill in Tiverton, R.I., told TDmonthly. 8/20/2007 (Price: $4.99)

Spider-Like Chinese Hacky Sack by MAGNOLIA TRADING COMPANY, LLC

This traditional style of Chinese Hacky Sack, also known as Jianzi, resembles a spider or flat straw hat. “People used to use hemp and a hollow Chinese coin to make the spider-style Jinzi, but they've now replaced them with synthetic fiber,” Owner Qi Liu of Magnolia Trading Company told TDmonthly. “You can do lots of tricks…it’s a good form of exercise.” 8/20/2007 (Price: $2.50)

Mother Goose Remembers by BAREFOOT BOOKS

Artist Clare Beaton takes a fresh look at the topsy-turvy world of Mother Goose in this exquisite treasury of traditional rhymes. As they listen to favorites such as “Humpty Dumpty” and “Three Blind Mice,” youngsters are also invited to hunt for Mother Goose’s feathers, one of which is carefully sewn into the art that accompanies each rhyme. By the final page, they will have collected just enough tiny feathers to fill a bedtime pillow. 8/20/2007 (Price: $19.99)

Animal Boogie by BAREFOOT BOOKS

Shake, shimmy and boggie-woogie-oogie with the creatures of the Indian jungle! It's bright and fun, wacky and exotic, but most of all, no one can resist the catchy tune- so just get up and dance! This edition includes a singalong CD by acclaimed children's performer, Fred Penner! 8/20/2007 (Price: $9.99)

Port Side Pirates by BAREFOOT BOOKS

Ahoy Matey! Jump aboard and set sail with an adventurous group of pirates. With fun facts about ships and notorious pirates from around the world, along with a catchy singalong, this vibrantly illustrated story will become a beloved treasure of your child! 8/20/2007 (Price: $16.99)

Take Along Tunes by BABY EINSTEIN

Promote music appreciation and auditory development by introducing your little one to baby-friendly versions of classical masterpieces by Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and Rossini with the Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes. A large, easy to press button allows your baby to toggle through seven high quality and enjoyable classical melodies at home, or for on-the-go fun.
  — As of 8.24.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 53 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Engaging and well-designed 8/20/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Discovering Shapes DVD by BABY EINSTEIN

Little ones will discover shapes everywhere they look with our playful introduction to five basic shapes. As babies develop, their understanding of the world and how its pieces ''fit'' together continues to progress. You'll enjoy sharing in the fresh sense of wonder that takes shape as your child greets each new discovery in ''Discovering Shapes.'' 8/20/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Holiday Tote with Black Scottish Terrier by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

This tote carries must-haves, might-needs, and a soft, black Scottie dog. Other holiday tote styles include the Snowman Tote, Penguin Tote and White Scottie Tote. “Douglas’ new purses are on the cutting edge of design,” Douglas Company Marketing Manager Erika Radich told TDmonthly. “Douglas’ attention to current fashion trends and expert use of details to augment styles is what sets us apart…. The new tote idea is a simple shape that has been taken to a higher design level.” Launch date: September 2007. 8/20/2007 (Price: $13) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Marshmallow Baby Polar Bear by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

This baby bear is a new sitting up, yet floppy ultra soft style plush. He is 15" long and an arm full of fluff with the most endearing expression. Launch date: September 1, 2007. 8/20/2007 (Price: $17.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WhisperPhone Solo XL by HAREBRAIN INC.

Designed for grades 5-adult, WhisperPhone is perfect for speech training, impacting literacy, refining your singing voice, learning lines for a theater performance or speech, learning a new language, and more. 8/17/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WhisperPhone® Solo by HAREBRAIN INC.

WhisperPhone® is a hands-free, acoustical headset designed to help children and adults focus on and hear the individual sounds of words more clearly as they learn by processing language aloud. The voice-feedback headset helps students hear phonemes, the sounds that compose words. "Phonemic awareness is a key predictor of literacy success, according to the National Reading Panel," a representative of Harebrain Inc. told TDmonthly. 8/17/2007 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Storage Pouch by HAREBRAIN INC.

This durable storage pouch provides the perfect place to keep your WhisperPhone. The new design fits both large and small sizes 8/17/2007 (Price: $2.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Sound of Learning: Why Self-Amplification Matters by HAREBRAIN INC.

Learn about the science and rationale behind self-amplification and how it can boost the learning-to-read process. The Sound of Learning includes practical applications of the self-amplification tool, WhisperPhone®, in the classroom and home. Included in the book are exercises to use in conjunction with WhisperPhone—whether you’re a teacher or a parent! Authored by a literacy expert, an audiologist and a speech language professional, this book offers compelling analysis, fun exercises and other resources to utilize. 8/17/2007 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]